The Fort Bend County Women’s Center & Asians Against Domestic Abuse brought together to end The Silence On Violence

A quiet Thursday night was awakened with activities as people dressed in all shades of purple, attended the long awaited event Voices against Violence. The Fort Bend County Women’s Center (FBCWC) and Asians Against Domestic Abuse (AADA) held a reception on a beautiful October 17 fall night to bring awareness against domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Proceedings kicked off at 7:00pm with a welcome and introductions by Melanie Smith of Dance Du Coeur, Vita Goodell, Executive Director FBCWC and Shantha Raghuthaman, President, AADA. Guests were greeted to music provided by Reagan Scott, singing “Temporary Home,” a song about hope, healing and moving forward.

Also speaker Bridget Yeung, from the Sugar Land Mayor’s office pledged Mayor James Thompson’s support on raising awareness to domestic violence. Fort Bend County DA John Healey was on hand to echo the Sugar Land Mayor’s office pledge. The event was graced with a dance performance by One Beat of Dance Du Coeur from Sugar Land.

After that guests received a reading of a letter from a survivor of domestic violence. Brionna Rivers’ vocal performance “For the Love of a Daughter,” led the way to an emotional domestic violence survivor who spoke about her near-death experiences, nightmares, children and finally feeling safe. She thanked the Fort Bend County Women’s Center for giving her protection and helping her to be self-sufficient and living independent of her abuser. In tears she thanked the staff and volunteers for helping her build her self-esteem. She said she was worth fighting for and her bravery shined through as the crowd applauded and cheered her final words.

The event was graced with more singing and dancing before a Candlelight Vigil, honoring the victims of Domestic Violence was presented by Amber Paaso, Volunteer Coordinator for the Women’s Center.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, please call the Center’s 24-hour hotline at 281.342.4357 (HELP).

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Posted by FortBendStar
on Oct 30 2013. Filed under Sugar Land.
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